Itinerary

This trip offers a great introduction to Morocco, you will experience vibrant Marrakech, visit small Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains and have time to relax and ride camels on the beach.

Imagine the twisting alleyways of an ancient medina, a crowded souk full of colourful pottery and carpets or the sound of a muezzin calling to prayer drifting across an orange plantation. Morocco offers all this and more - complete with a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. This short adventure provides a fabulous introduction to these exciting highlights. You visit the old walled city of Marrakech and more out-of-the way places that few tourists get to see - such as the remote villages of the Berbers, hidden away in the folds of the Atlas Mountains. Move on to the Atlantic coast to ride camels along the beach and explore the old pirate hideout of Essaouira - packed with colour and atmosphere. This trip offers a real insight into an enthralling and beautiful country.

Select your itinerary:

Day

1

Fly to Marrakech

After your flight, you transfer to your accommodation in Marrakech and check in. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up images of scenes from the Arabian Nights: alleyways, souks, stalls and markets. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travellers. The graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret, dominates the skyline.

Hotel Gomassine - Swimming Pool

Day

2

Drive to Ifergane; cross Atlas Mountains

Meet your leader and group this morning and begin your adventure with a morning city tour of Marrakech. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, delectable foods, acrobats and perfumed gardens. We will then transfer to the village of Aroumd, the largest village in the Mizane Valley. Steep-tiered fields of produce , both common and uncommon to us and various kinds of fruit line the valley sides, their terraces edged with purple iris. We will enjoy a gentle walk around the village before settling in for dinner in the evening.

Riad Arganier D'or - Breakfast included - Swimming Pool

Day

3

Zaouit Ifergane

This morning we will havc a bread cooking demo for breakfast and perhaps an early morning walk around the village. We will tehn transfer to Taroudant city (approximately 1 hour) This pretty, conservative town (often called 'Little Marrakech') has a tannery which we will visit and spend some time at. Moroccan leather goods are very popular, and here we will learn how the animal skins are cured to produce the leather. It's an interesting snapshot of old-fashioned local craft, and a chance to souvenir a slice of hand-made Morocco.We will then head onto our accommodation with a pool and a play area to rest and relax.

Riad Arganier D'or - Breakfast included - Swimming Pool

Day

4

Zaouit Ifergane

Continue driving through the fertile Souss plain along many fruit and vegetable farms. You'll pass some lovely colourful orchids and rolling hills along the way. Crossing through the argan forest, you might see goats climbing the trees, sometimes several at once! It's a distinctly Moroccan phenomenon with a simple explanation: the goats here have adapted to seek food up the argan trees in times of drought.

Tagadirt Appart Hotel - Breakfast included - Swimming Pool

Day

5

Essaouira

Travel up the coast to Sidi Kaouki (approximately 1.5 hours). Mount a camel and ride across the expansive sand dunes, taking in the awesome scenery as you plod along. This may well be one of the highlights of your trip. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, then board the bus again and head to Essaouira (approximately 30 minutes). This delightful artists' town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. The town faces a group of rocky islands called the Mogador and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. It's still a busy fishing port, and its pretty harbour is filled with tiny colourful fishing boats which go out early every morning.

Hotel Souiri - Breakfast included

Day

6

Essaouira

Today is free for you to explore Essaouira as you please. Everything in the small centre is within walking distance, and the beach is nice and clean, great for strolling along. Why not wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets where you can witness the daily auction. A fresh-cooked plate of the day's catch is highly recommended. Perhaps browse some of the many shops and art galleries where unique local pieces are on display. The town is becoming renowned for its burled Thuya wood, delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking through the streets incredibly pleasant.

Hotel Souiri - Breakfast included

Day

7

Drive to Marrakech; city tour

Leaving Essaouira behind, journey inland to Marrakech (approxmately 3 hours). Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the city centre, taking in the main sights on your way to the sprawling Djemaa el-Fna main square and souq. As is usual in a souq, individual trades and crafts are concentrated in one street or area, so the shoemakers are all next to each other, as are the jewellers, potters and weavers. This is the best place in Morocco to sharpen your bargaining skills, and you are almost certain to be tempted by some of the extraordinary variety of merchandise on display – perhaps a pair of traditional Moroccan slippers or some spices. The market almost has the atmosphere of a medieval fair. Snake charmers and jugglers are among those who vie to entertain you. In the evening, wonderful smells waft by as food stalls cook up their local delicacies.

Hotel Gomassine - Breakfast included - swimming pool

Day

8

Fly Home

Our trip ends today after breakfast. You will be transferred to the aiport to join your flight home, filled with memories and stories of this fabulous country.

Breakfast included

Berber villages

Crossing the stunning Atlas Mountains you rest in the peaceful Berber village of Ifergane. From here, explore the area on foot or relax in a tranquil guesthouse in the middle of an orange oasis.

Beaches & Camels

Moving on to the coast, spend time on the beach of Essaouira. The old pirates' nest of Essaouira is a fantastic place to haggle for souvenirs. You can spend your day watching the fishermen, going for walks around the old fort and enjoying delicious seafood. On our way to Essaouria we will stop and jump on a camel to explore the expanisve sand dunes of Sidi Kaouki.

Marrakech

Returning to Marrakech you enter an entirely different world of lively bazaars filled with exotic spices and treasures. At sunset the main square comes to life with snake charmers, acrobats and jugglers in a carnival of entertainment.

Our Morocco Family Holiday is just one of our many Africa Family tours. To find out more visit our Africa holidays page.

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